6 Years Later-Never Forget

It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed since I had my kidney transplant. It was on March 1, 2012.

I’ve gotten so used to the freedom and feelings of “wellness” that this life changing surgery has afforded me…and it feels like I’m starting to forget what it felt like being without it.

I was thinking about this a few days ago. I spent nearly 10 difficult years on dialysis. When I really take time to think about it, it blows my mind how different I felt. I felt like absolute garbage when I was doing dialysis 3 times a week.

Doing home hemo was better, but it was a lot of work. I had maintain the machine and I had to stay connected all night. I had to worry about having needles in my arm all night as I slept. I had to be home all day on various days to receive tons and tons of supplies.

Was it better than going to the hospital 3 times a week for hemo, which essentially meant that the remainder of my day was a write-off? Sure. But still, it wasn’t easy. I still worked part time while doing in-hospital hemo. I worked part time and went to school full time while I was on home hemo. I still don’t know how I managed it.

Now, I’m living a life that I love. I landed jobs in my field after finishing school. I’m with an amazing guy that I adore.

It’s hard to believe that there was a point in time where working part time was a daunting task for me. I appreciate every opportunity that has come my way.

I’m going to do my best to be more conscious of how fortunate I am and have been. I’m going to do my best to never forget how far I’ve come.

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1 comment on “6 Years Later-Never Forget”

I’ve been reading your posts, at first was simply browsing but then I saw this post and the date. My wife passed away March 9, 2018. She also had Lupus (among other ailments) and had been battling seizures for 3 years and then the stage 3 kidney disease was diagnosed, about a year before she passed. She was terrified to begin dialysis and I must say I’m amazed to read all that you accomplished during your own period of dialysis. Over the past 8 months I’ve been wrestling with my own demons but I’ve beat them and am ready to get more involved for her. I also suffer from 2 autoimmune diseases and feel I should share what I’ve learned over the last 8 years. Anyway just wanted to express my amazement in the story you have shared and look to find my own voice in this struggle. Thanks for reminding me why I need to keep my head up!